They lifted cases of water bottles to the dormitories, helping hydrate others who had to move in. The muggy, humid weather added to the practice-like conditions.

But the team has to wait another day to put on the helmets and hit the fields.

"They're so eager and ready to go," first-year coach Harold Jackson said. "They came in and asked, 'Hey coach are we going to be on the field tomorrow?' I said, 'No, we got to do physicals before we get on the field.' But they're ready to go, and the coaches are eager and ready to go also."

Many colleges around Mississippi have already begun fall practices. Jackson State will finally hold its first tomorrow at 3:45 p.m.

The players reported to campus on Sunday, making it the first time in nearly five months since players and the new coaches have been under one roof, game planning for the season.

Due to NCAA rules that limited coach and player interactions in the offseason, Jackson stressed that his team take initiative and meet up, study the playbooks and workout together.

Jackson, who was named head coach in January, felt the spring wasn't enough for the new coaching staff to work with the players on the field.

Senior wide receiver Michael Perkins assured that his teammates stepped up in the summer.

Last month, the team held 7-on-7s about two or three times a week.

"It helped with the whole meshing process of us getting together, us knowing, 'OK, he can do that, he can do this,'" Perkins said. "Just being out there with the guys and being able to click with them, it was great."

Perkins, who was the third-leading receiver last season (17 catches for 240 yards and two touchdowns) doesn't necessarily view his role this season as someone who will step in for the departed Zachary Pendleton, but more so as a teacher.

"Since I got spring under my belt, and this summer how, I was able to get in the playbook as well … I feel that I'm at a good point now to go back and help some of my younger teammates," Perkins said.

That coach-to-player liaison is helpful, especially considering the new information the team has to soak in before their season opener against Florida A&M on Aug. 30.

Now, fall camp will test who did their homework over the summer.

Senior linebacker Ariane McCree welcomes that test. Besides, it was what allowed him become a starter last year and lead the team in tackles (94) and tackles for loss (14.5).

"I look forward to coming into the fall because it (lets you) show off what you've been working off in the summer and how you're going to come into the season," McCree said.